HERMISTON, Ore.-A ribbon cutting, attended by library staff, city officials and community members, was held on the morning of October 10, to celebrate the completion of the Hermiston Public Library renovation project.
“We’re so glad to be able to reopen today,” said Mark Rose, Director of the Hermiston Public Library. “Public libraries are the people’s universities, where all can come and read and learn.”
Hermiston’s original Carnegie Library opened in 1918 and served the community until the new building opened in 1986.
Renovations to that building started in August 2024 and were paid for with Enterprise Zone funds committed by both the City of Hermiston and Umatilla County, with support from Amazon and Lamb Weston.
Rose thanked the community and the organizations that supported the renovations, including the City of Hermiston and Umatilla County, as well as AWS, the Port of Umatilla, Umatilla Electric Cooperative, which stored all the books during the renovation, Hermiston Friends of the Library, and library staff.
Hermiston Mayor Doug Primmer noted that the library has provided over 100 years of “learning, laughter and community,” while pointing out that the renovations make the space safer, more accessible, and inspiring than ever before.
“The Hermiston Public Library is a place where stories are shared, ideas are born, and futures are shaped,” said Mayor Primmer.
With help from Rose, children in attendance cut a red ribbon draped across the entrance to officially reopen the Hermiston Public Library, and the community toured the building, which features books and media upstairs, and children’s books and materials, as well as a maker’s space downstairs.
“Libraries have always been an important part of my life,” said Erick Peterson, a library patron attending the reopening. “I’ve toured lots of libraries, but Hermiston is my home library. I’m very excited, I’ve been waiting for this for a year.”
The renovated library also features public art displays, including a mobile of butterflies over the staircase and a giant Lite-Brite in the children’s area.
“I think ‘wow’ is what I’m hearing people say the most when they come in,” said Katia Garay, who has worked at the library for about two years. “That statement speaks to the building and the new services we’re able to provide for the community.”
In addition to books and media, the library offers computers, a dedicated space for children and teens, and the maker’s space featuring 3-D and sublimation printers, which allow for printing on items, such as mugs or T-shirts.
“This renovated space will provide opportunities for years to come,” said Rose. “Hopefully the little kids here today will be able to say they grew up with this library.”
The Hermiston Public Library at 235 East Gladys Avenue is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
